What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs which is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

As pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi it can spread in humans in following ways

• Bacteria and viruses living in nose, sinuses, or mouth may spread to lungs.
• Bacteria and viruses leading to pneumonia which are present in air sometimes can directly enter into your lungs.
• Sometimes suddenly you may aspirate food, liquids, vomit, or secretions from the mouth into your lungs leading to aspiration pneumonia.

Pneumonia caused by bacteria tends to be the most serious. In adults, bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia.

• The most common pneumonia-causing germ in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus).
• Atypical pneumonia, often called walking pneumonia, is caused by bacteria such as Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila pneumoniae.
• Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia is sometimes seen in people whose immune system is impaired (due to AIDS or certain medications that suppress the immune system).
• Staphylococcus aureus, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Neisseria meningitidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae are other bacteria that can cause pneumonia.
• Tuberculosis can cause pneumonia in some people, especially those with a weak immune system.

Viruses are also a common cause of pneumonia, especially in infants and young children.

Risk factors:

Conditions that increase chances of getting pneumonia include:

• Cerebral palsy
• Chronic lung disease (COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis)
• Cigarette smoking
• Difficulty swallowing (due to stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, or other neurological conditions)
• Immune system problem
• Impaired consciousness (loss of brain function due to dementia, stroke, or other neurologic conditions)
• Living in a nursing facility
• Other serious illnesses, such as heart disease, liver cirrhosis, or diabetes mellitus
• Recent surgery or trauma
• Recent viral respiratory infection (common cold, laryngitis, influenza)

The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Cough (with some pneumonias you may cough up greenish or yellow mucus, or even bloody mucus)
• Fever, which may be mild or high
• Shaking chills
• Shortness of breath

Additional symptoms include:

• Confusion, especially in older people
• Excessive sweating and clammy skin
• Headache
• Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
• Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough

Diagnosis of pneumonia depends on following

• Medical history and physical examination:To diagnose pneumonia doctor begins with a medical history and physical examination by placing a stethoscope on the chest where he gets clinical signs of pneumonia like crackling sounds, coarse breathing, wheezing and/or faint breathing in a particular area of the chest.
• Chest x-ray: May show a blotchy-white area, where fluid and pus has accumulated in the lung's air sacs.
• Sputum Examination:Sputum samples can be collected and examined under the microscope for identification of bacteria or fungi causing pneumonia.
• Blood test:A blood test measures white blood cell count (WBC) of individual's which gives a hint as to the severity of the pneumonia and whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus.
• Bronchoscopy:In this procedure, a flexible, thin and lit viewing tube is inserted into the nose or mouth after a local anesthetic is administered. The breathing passages can then be directly examined by the doctor and specimens from the infected part of the lung can be obtained.

Treatment of Pneumonia

Good hygienic practice: Pneumonia can be prevented by practicing good hygienic practices like washing hands frequently, especially after blowing nose, going to the bathroom, diapering, and before eating or preparing foods.

Quitting smoking: Don't smoke as tobacco damages lung's ability to fight against infection.

Vaccination: Getting a pneumococcal vaccine can prevent pneumonia. People who stand to benefit most from vaccination are those over the age 65; anyone with chronic health problems (such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, etc.); anyone who has had their spleen removed; anyone living in a nursing home or chronic care facility; caregivers of the chronically ill (healthcare workers or family caregivers); children with chronic respiratory diseases (such as asthma), and anyone who has had pneumonia in the past (due to increased risk of reinfection). The pneumococcal vaccine is 90 percent effective against the bacteria and protects against infection for five to 10 years.